Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

 A tooth extraction can be uncomfortable and impact your ability to find easy-to-eat foods. However, the significance of post-extraction dietary choices goes beyond just comfort. What you eat after tooth removal can profoundly influence your healing process. Consuming the wrong foods may prolong recovery, and cause infections, bleeding, and complications. On the contrary, choosing the correct nutrients can expedite healing, minimize swelling, and provide the necessary energy for a swift recovery. If you are looking for a tooth extraction clinic, read this post from Smile Again Dental Group.  

Importance of diet after tooth extraction 

After tooth extraction, being cautious about your diet is crucial to prevent any damage to the surgical site. The healing process starts immediately, with the dentist placing cotton gauze to form a blood clot and reduce bleeding from the tooth socket. Certain foods can disrupt the blood clot formation or dislodge it, hindering the recovery process and potentially leading to painful complications like a dry socket or infection. By avoiding these foods, you maximize your chances of a speedy recovery.  

What to avoid after extraction of the tooth? 

After tooth extraction, it is crucial to avoid some food to take care of them for a quick recovery. Foods that get stuck in the open tooth socket can disrupt blood clot formation, delaying healing and causing infection.

Avoiding some food can increase the rate of recovery and does not infect you;

• Crunchy, hard or chewy foods
• Food that is hot and spicy
• That contain acid contents like citrus 
• Carbonated beverages
• Tobacco products
• Alcohol

 What foods you are allowed to eat after extraction? 

Following a balanced and nutritious diet after a tooth extraction is essential for healing and reducing discomfort. Include fruits, vegetables, starches, high-protein foods, and healthy fats, and opt for liquids and soft foods during the immediate post-extraction period.  

Liquid diet 

During the initial days after tooth extraction, when tenderness and swelling are common, a liquid diet may be necessary. Opt for vegetable juices, water, caffeine-free beverages, warm pureed soups, gelatin, and smoothies. However, avoid using a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot, leading to delayed recovery.

 High protein foods 

High-protein foods are crucial for a balanced diet and faster healing after tooth extraction. Incorporate protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, lean meats, fish, and scrambled eggs into your smoothies or pureed soups. These protein-rich options provide essential nutrients to support your recovery. 

Soft diet 

As your mouth heals, transitioning to a soft diet is beneficial. Soft foods are easy to chew and swallow, and they can be chopped, ground, mashed, or pureed for easier consumption. Enjoy soups with soft vegetables or meat, soft grains like oatmeal and rice, cooked pasta, ripe bananas, applesauce, baked apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, beets, cooked carrot slices, and mashed potatoes. 

Healthy fats 

Incorporating healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut butter, and flax oil can further enhance wound healing after tooth extraction.

Final words  

Here we have learned about what to do after tooth extraction. What food to eat and what to avoid. Your diet plan and beverages also decide your recovery. If you are looking for Dental Checkups and Cleanings, Smile Again Dental Group can help you.